usul3084's reviews

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Cheap, quality optics, lightweight, tiny.
    Plasticy construction.

    A great value. Excellent optics, low price, decent build.

    It is sharper at f/2.8, and wonderfully sharp by f/4, though certainly usable wide open, especially when the shot depends on it, or if you don't need gobs of fine detail. For 100 USD, I couldn't ask for more optically. The recessed front element resists flare, so you don't need the optional hood IMHO.

    It would be nice if the body were metal, and if the focus ring was a bit more damped, but again, consider the price. Older versions (manual focus) may have better handling.

    Overall, an extremely good value, and small enough to carry with you everywhere.

    reviewed December 7th, 2006 (purchased for $100)

  • Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Optics, build, handling, size, metal hood.
    CA on digital.

    A very sharp lens for wide landscapes on 35mm. On my film body I have no complaints and love this little lens.
    Build quality is good enough, and the metal lens hood does a good job protecting the front element. In my real world shooting, I haven't noticed distortion, though in the lab you may see it.
    The one drawback is that this lens loses its wide feel on an APS-C digital body due to the crop. Chromatic Aberration is also noticeable in the corners on high-contrast subjects with digital.

    Highly Recommended for 35mm film work.
    Recommended for Nikon digital.

    reviewed December 7th, 2006 (purchased for $250)